2017 Media Releases

CFA declared Fire Danger Period in Mitchell Shire ends

13 April 2017

With the CFA declared Fire Danger Period set to be lifted in Mitchell Shire on Tuesday 18 April, residential and semi-rural residents are reminded they can only burn-off on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 3pm.

When the Fire Danger Period is lifted, residents can burn-off without permits, but the following local laws must be followed.

Council's Local Law No 1 Community and Environment 2013 states that an owner or occupier of land may burn-off in the open air for the purposes of reducing fuel loads on that land in accordance with requirements below, based on Local Law Areas (detailed maps available at www.mitchell.pozi.com).

In residential areas, Urban Growth areas (less than 0.4ha or 1 acre) and semi-rural areas, residents can burn off on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 3pm. A permit is required outside of these days and times.

In rural areas, burn offs are allowed any day of the week.

In all areas from 1 October each year to the start of the declared Fire Danger Period, permits are required to burn a windrow, stump, log or vegetation with a diameter greater than 75mm.

All open air burning requires notification to VicFire (1800 668 511) and fires are not to be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, smog alert days or during the CFA declared Fire Danger Period.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said these simple rules were important to ensure the safety of the community.

“We understand that residents may need to burn-off on their properties from time to time,” Cr Sanderson said.

“It is important that people adhere to these simple local laws to make sure a fire doesn’t get out of control.

“If a burn-off is required outside of these parameters, please contact Council and arrange a permit.”